Barriers to the implementation of circular economy approach with the consumption of oilfield-produced water
by Sumita Sarma; Sharmin Attaran; Mohsen Attaran
Interdisciplinary Environmental Review (IER), Vol. 23, No. 1, 2023

Abstract: A circular economy approach within wastewater consumption for agriculture has gained relevance in recent years. Extreme climate conditions (e.g. mega-drought in California) have resulted in severe water shortages, yet there seems to be a reluctance to accept alternative water sources. Despite the numerous local initiatives towards oilfield produced water reuse, barriers remain to its implementation. This study identifies the barriers to the widespread adoption of oilfield produced water (OPW) for crop irrigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five major stakeholder groups of the OPW ecosystem: oil and gas managers/business owners, farmers, entrepreneurs, water district managers, and water board personnel. This study used qualitative data analysis to identify factors influencing the beneficial uses and barriers to reusing OPW. The findings highlighted three macro-categories: water shortages, costs of treatment vs. the expected benefits, and public perceptions vs. scientific studies based on thematic relevance and coherence. The interviews revealed the need for a tighter collaboration among the various stakeholder groups in this ecosystem that involves public-private partnerships and shared governance in managing the environment - addressing these barriers aids the development of a circular economy for wastewater.

Online publication date: Fri, 28-Jul-2023

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